In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump hosted Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and senior Qatari officials at the White House on July 16, 2025. These high-profile meetings underscored the United States’ continued commitment to fostering stronger ties with key Gulf partners amid a complex regional landscape.
Crown Prince Salman, who has also served as Bahrain’s prime minister since 2020, engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with President Trump. The agenda included a working lunch and talks focused on advancing economic cooperation and energy security. Notably, the Crown Prince had met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer the previous day to finalize agreements valued at approximately $17 billion, highlighting the robust private sector collaboration between Bahrain and the United States.
A key outcome from these engagements was the initiation of negotiations toward a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, commonly referred to as a "123 agreement." This framework would pave the way for U.S. companies to invest in and develop nuclear energy infrastructure in Bahrain, marking a strategic milestone for the island nation. With a population of around 1.5 million and a strategic location near Saudi Arabia, Bahrain is positioning itself as a critical energy partner.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani formalized a memorandum of understanding concerning this nuclear cooperation during the visit. Rubio emphasized the United States’ openness to support civil nuclear energy programs worldwide, provided they are exclusively peaceful and enhance regional security.
After culminating the day’s engagements with the Crown Prince, President Trump also hosted Qatari Prime Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani for a dinner at the White House. The timing was particularly poignant, as Doha is currently playing host to ongoing ceasefire talks between Israeli and Hamas representatives. The dialogue between the U.S. and Qatar during this period reflects the importance of collaborative diplomacy in the Gulf region.
This White House summit illustrates the Trump administration’s strategy to deepen partnerships in the Middle East, integrate energy initiatives, and support regional stability. By strengthening relations with Bahrain and Qatar, the United States aims to enhance geopolitical ties that could have lasting implications for peace and prosperity in the Gulf and beyond.
